Not really. My abstinence is not really due to spoilers, and supposedly the TV series diverges enough anyway. It is really about visuals and interpretations for me. That might be as simple as what a character looks like or behaves, but can also be topography and some elements of storyline. In other words I want my first reading with a part of the story to be open minded, and not have anything fleshed in by others not the author.

That's me anyway, and clearly not everyone feels that way. Fair enough, each to their own.

Anyone who is an avid reader though, knows that you get more for your buck with a book, and first reads and first watches are where you get the biggest thrill.

Film productions by their very nature, cull a lot, which might be good in some cases, certainly for some people who get bored easily or have a low attention span, and just want to get on with the basic story, and then move onto something else. Some like myself like to get a bit deeper into a story and dwell on it for awhile. And some story elements are hard for me to buy (accept) if not fleshed out properly ... made easier if you've read the book and so have some insight.

It's always interesting to hear alternate views, so thanks for replying folks, and no doubt how you feel is valid for you.

Wahtever medium I get exposed to first, so usually based on opportunity instead of active choice.

In general it has been "play first - watch second"

For example, played the classic LucasArts Indiana Jones and Star Wars games years before seeing any of the movies. That added a lot of mystery and enjoyment to my gaming experiences because I had no expectations or in-depth knowledge of lore etc. And it didn't reduce the enjoyment of any of the movies when I finally got to see them.

As for reading, if it's classic material like LOTR chances are I've already read the book during childhood before ever having had a chance to see any movies/TV shows covering the material. Very rare that I discover a story/franchise and then consciously decide on whether to read or watch first.

I fail to see the difference between fiction whether it be in a book, movie or game. It's all about what you manage to get out of it, and sometimes there is a good degree of education, in various ways, despite the main fictional element.

It's also about being entertained, and having some escapism from the many mundane or depressing things in life.

Sounds to me like you have never read a really good book ... or despite your claimed reading skills, don't know how to get the most out of a book. And honestly how can it be a waste in a general sense. It is quite the opposite really, you are exercising your reading skills, keeping them fine tuned.

One person's delusion is another's treasure.

Many books or stories are used to address various real factors in life, albeit it in a fictional setting. They often help educate and broaden the mind, even if the book is SciFi or Fantasy, sometimes especially so, as they give greater writing flexibility.